TL;DR
While occasional changes in vision can happen, particularly when you’re tired or dehydrated, persistent wavy or distorted vision often points to an underlying issue.
Understanding the common causes and when to seek guidance can help you take the right steps towards maintaining your eye health.
Causes of distorted or wavy vision
Macular degeneration
One of the leading causes of distorted vision is macular degeneration, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
This condition affects the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.
As the macula deteriorates, you may start seeing wavy or blurred lines, particularly when looking at straight objects such as door frames or text. This distortion can progress to more severe vision loss over time if left untreated.
Macular degeneration is more common in people over 50, especially those with a family history of the condition, smokers, or individuals with poor diet and overall health. Early detection through regular eye exams is key to managing the condition effectively.
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Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of your eye is irregularly shaped, leading to blurry or distorted vision. Rather than seeing objects clearly, you might notice that they appear stretched or wavy.
Astigmatism can affect both near and distant vision and may come with other symptoms like headaches, eye strain, and difficulty seeing at night.
Fortunately, astigmatism is easily corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or in some cases, refractive surgery.
If you suspect astigmatism is causing your wavy vision, a visit to your optometrist for a comprehensive eye test will provide clarity.
Retinal detachment
A more urgent cause of wavy or distorted vision is retinal detachment. This occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye, pulls away from its normal position.
Along with wavy vision, you might also experience sudden flashes of light, floaters, or a shadow or curtain effect in your field of vision.
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency and requires prompt attention. If you notice these symptoms, it’s vital to seek immediate medical help to prevent permanent vision loss.
Ocular migraines
Ocular migraines, sometimes called retinal migraines, can lead to temporary visual disturbances, including wavy vision, blind spots, or flashing lights.
These migraines typically affect one eye and are often accompanied by headaches, although not always. The visual disturbances usually last for 10 to 30 minutes and go away on their own.
If you frequently experience ocular migraines, it’s wise to speak to a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions and discuss strategies for managing the triggers.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye, becomes thin and cone-shaped.
This irregular shape distorts light entering your eye, leading to blurry or wavy vision. It usually affects both eyes, although one may be more severely impacted than the other.
While the exact cause of keratoconus isn’t fully understood, it’s often seen in younger people and may have a genetic link.
Treatment options include wearing special contact lenses to help correct the shape of the cornea, or in more severe cases, surgery.
Cataracts
Cataracts develop when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, affecting how light passes through to your retina. This can cause distorted or blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night.
You might also notice halos around lights or a general dulling of colours. Cataracts are most common in older adults and tend to develop gradually over time.
Surgical removal of cataracts is a common and highly successful procedure, with most people regaining clear vision afterwards.
If you think cataracts are affecting your sight, discussing options with your optometrist is the best course of action.
Related read: Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Medications and medical conditions
Certain medications, particularly those used for treating conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases, can affect your vision.
Steroids, for example, can lead to changes in the lens of your eye, resulting in distorted or blurry vision over time.
Additionally, conditions such as diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which damages the blood vessels in your retina and causes vision problems.
Managing your overall health and being aware of how medications may impact your sight is essential for preventing long-term visual impairment.
When to seek professional advice
While some causes of wavy or distorted vision are temporary or easily treated, others require immediate medical attention.
If you notice sudden changes in your vision, particularly if they are accompanied by other symptoms like flashes of light, loss of vision, or eye pain, you should seek professional help right away.
Regular eye exams play a crucial role in detecting eye conditions early, especially as many vision problems develop slowly and without obvious symptoms.
Whether you’re concerned about age-related changes, a family history of eye disease, or an underlying medical condition, keeping up with your eye health is one of the best ways to protect your vision long-term.
